Can a Dentist Help Relieve TMJ Pain?

Tmj Houston, TX

Your TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is responsible for connecting the lower jaw to the upper jaw and the skull. Pain in this area can cause tenderness in your jaw muscles, jaw clicking, earaches, and headaches. This can disrupt your daily activities. If you want to know how your dentist can help with your TMJ pain, here are the details.

The massages

Temporomandibular joint pain can cause the jaw to dislocate. It can also cause the misalignment of teeth. These occurrences can affect the patient’s bite. One of the effective ways a dentist can help patients with TMJ pain is through massage.

The friction massage provides pressure on the area. Some patients find this enough for relief. This type of massage needs proper technique. The dentist can show the patient how to do it.

Locating the mandible muscle is the first thing to do. This is in the lower part of the jaw along the jawline. Applying constant and gentle pressure using the index finger comes next. The patient can experiment with the right amount of pressure.

The kneading massage gives a consistent circular pressure on the muscles and joints. Locating the upper jaw muscles comes first. These are behind the molars below the cheekbone. It is the flat bony plane toward the ear.

The patient will massage the area in a circular motion using two to three fingers. This improves lymph circulation, increases blood flow, and warms up the muscles. This helps expel toxic waste in that area. The patient will keep doing this until relief in the TMJ sets in.

The stretching massage involves placing two fingers of one hand along the lower jaw. Then, the two fingers of the other hand go above the muscles of the upper jaw. Pressing the fingers together until the tips are between these muscles comes next. Holding them for about three seconds and then relaxing them ends the massage.

The dentist can teach the patient how to do these TMJ massages at home. Finding the right levels of pressure and the exact points is the key to the success of the massages. Dentists can also suggest treatment options to go with the massages. Trying them out one by one can help the patient find the most effective massage.

Cold and hot therapy

The key materials for this TMJ treatment are hot and cold packs. The different temperatures aim to lessen the pain in the jaw. The heat and cold also help relax the tense jaw muscles. The patient can use this treatment up to four times every day.

Custom-fit dental appliance

Bruxism is teeth grinding or jaw clenching. This is often a cause of TMJ. Patients with this condition can get relief from a custom-fit dental appliance. The appliance is either a splint or bite guard. It will keep the lower and upper teeth from touching each other.

Relaxation techniques

A dentist can also teach the patient some relaxation techniques. Relaxing can help decrease or remove the pain. These techniques target the tense jaw muscles. Each one can reduce pain and lessen TMJ pain.

Your dentist can help you manage and treat your TMJ pain

Patients with temporomandibular joint pain often have a difficult time with eating and speaking. This can affect your self-image and daily activities. You can perform massages or go through the treatments your dentist will suggest. An appointment with your dentist can determine which treatments can help you most.

Are you considering getting a TMJ treatment in the Houston area? Get more information at https://www.texandental.com.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: TMJ Dentist in Houston, TX.

Recent Posts

A General Dentist Answers TMJ FAQs

General dentists are here to answer any questions one might have about temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). These are problems that affect the sliding hinge-like joints that connect the lower jaw and the rest of the skull.Here are the answers to some of the questions individuals might have about the temporomandibular joints and issues that can…

Options For TMJ Disorder Treatment

You may not think much about TMJ disorder unless a dentist diagnoses you with it. This is a serious condition that can cause much pain and discomfort. Untreated, this disorder can make it difficult to chew and even speak. Instead of suffering and being in agony, you can speak to your dentist. Fortunately, relief is…

Does TMJ Cause Jaw Pain?

TMJ disorder is a common issue that can result from teeth grinding and other dental concerns. Most instances are minor, but TMJ that is left untreated can linger or worsen into a more serious issue. Many instances of jaw pain are caused by TMJ, and it is helpful to understand the symptoms of TMJ and…

4 Guidelines To Know If You Are A Candidate For Dental Veneers

If you have some imperfections on your teeth, and you want to improve your smile, dental veneers may be an option. This procedure can help cover up certain dental issues that may reduce your confidence. Although veneers can make aesthetic changes, they are not the right option for everyone. Before considering this as a possibility,…

Recent Posts

Guidelines To Know If You Are A Candidate For Dental Veneers

4 Guidelines To Know If You Are A Candidate For Dental Veneers

If you have some imperfections on your teeth, and you want to improve your smile, dental veneers may be an option. This procedure can help cover up certain dental issues that may reduce your confidence. Although veneers can make aesthetic changes, they are not the right option for everyone. Before considering this as a possibility,…

Ways Cosmetic Dentistry Can Improve Self Esteem

5 Ways Cosmetic Dentistry Can Improve Self-Esteem

Are you considering getting one or more cosmetic dentistry treatments to improve your self-image? Read on to learn more about available treatments. This review takes a closer look at the specific reasons why cosmetic dentistry patients often feel more confident in their smiles, providing them with more willingness to go out and pursue the things…

WHY CHOOSE US at TEXAN DENTAL?